Adventures in Reality

Friends are friends, old or new

I guess, I’ve come to that mid-point in life when it’s time to look back. Was thinking about people whom I’ve known over the past years since I was very young. It’s funny, how with some of them, life’s journey seems to have a circular path. When least expected, they seem to bump into you suddenly.

Lately, I met another ex-classmate who linked me into a chain of ex-classmates who’d been with me since I was twelve, until we left high school at 17. I’d been out of contact with nearly all of them for…about two decades? Five years or so back, I bumped into another bunch of schoolmates who’d been with me since I was seven till eleven, when I changed school for some rather unjustified reason, simply to fit into somebody’s time-table. None of my parents, mind you. Moving around seems to have become a trend early in my life and looks set to continue. Maybe I was a gypsy or a migrating bird in my last life.

There are others, outside the school circles who have come back into my life after 20 or 30 years, and those who came after them that I have held dear for the past two decades. These friends know me well, even better than my family does or ever will do. Reflecting on these precious ones, they have shown me such sweet unselfishness, warmth and compassion. An understanding, not their obligation to give; they acted from the heart, in honesty and love they had no duty to extend. That’s why, I married one of my best friends. He’s in a happier world now and I’m glad he suffers no more.

For those coming more recently into my circle or who have returned to sit in the warmth of true friendship, you’re welcome with open arms, and hope you stay. Near or far, within sight and calling, or not, you will always be there and I will be with you. You are my virtual family, the ones who stay despite rumor or gossip, come hurricane or earthquake, in sickness and in health, poverty or wealth, we will always know each other in mind, heart and spirit. Even death will not end such friendship, your memory keeps you alive forever.

Thank you my friends, for all you are and the goodness and love you show which our differences haven’t changed. In you is found the refuge, consolation and strength to go on, when the world feels cold and dead. I will remember you always, no matter where in the world you are.

My toast eaten, my breakfast finished and the sky has turned brighter as the day begins. It is a good morning!